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Home » The City of Cleveland and Global Cleveland Announce 2019 Ranking in the New American Economy’s Cities Index

The City of Cleveland and Global Cleveland Announce 2019 Ranking in the New American Economy’s Cities Index

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

CLEVELAND – The City of Cleveland and Global Cleveland announce a new ranking for Cleveland and the region in the latest New American Economy (NAE) Cities Index, a ranking of immigration integration efforts in the 100 largest cities in the United States. This year, 2019, Cleveland is ranked #14 out of 100 cities in the NAE Cities Index. This is an increase of 50 spots – the largest jump of any single city.

“Receiving this ranking exemplifies the city’s commitment to creating communities that foster acceptance and inclusivity,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “We work closely with our local Honorary Consul Corps and Cleveland’s network of Sister Cities in these efforts. Initiatives like our Language Access Program for residents and our international celebrations in the City Hall Rotunda and our internationally renowned cultural gardens show the day-to-day work we do to make Cleveland an inclusive city. By welcoming newcomers and embracing the rich international cultures of our communities, Cleveland fortifies its legacy as a city built on multiculturalism and diversity.”

In 2018, Cleveland ranked #64 – when the rankings were released, Global Cleveland sought out data and information regarding immigrant integration programs and services in the Cleveland-area and compiled it in a report. Global Cleveland then shared it with organizational and government officials with whom the NAE may call during their annual survey. The organization wanted to ensure the NAE received the most accurate and up-to-date data and information.

“This increase in ranking is really a testament to our County as a whole. When Global Cleveland asked for proclamations or resolutions stating that our municipalities welcomed immigrants, municipalities from all across the County responded. In the coming year, Cuyahoga County is committed to implementing programs that will serve to further increase our ranking. In fact, we have asked one of our lead partners in small business funding, the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), to strategically direct some of our business development funds towards immigrants. We know how important immigrants have been and continue to be to the economic growth of our County,” says Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish.

The NAE ranks cities in terms of services provided to immigrants and newcomers through government services and welcoming efforts, economic empowerment and prosperity, inclusivity and language access programs, overall community efforts and partnerships, legal support services and livability.

“The Board of Global Cleveland joins our partners in the community in celebrating this remarkable achievement. Cleveland and Cuyahoga County are now recognized as one of the most welcoming communities in the country. We are also being honored for the work of so many people in the advancement of our metropolitan area in the New American Economy study,” says Global Cleveland Board Chairman David Fleshler, Vice Provost of International Affairs at Case Western Reserve University. "People rightfully want metrics to know if an organization is achieving its goals. The New American Economy study is proof certain that Global Cleveland is an organization meeting - and even surpassing - its goals. I am particularly proud of, and want to congratulate, Joe Cimperman and the entire staff at Global Cleveland for this milestone," continues Fleshler.

Global Cleveland’s goal was to bring to light all that Cleveland and the region have done for immigrants in recent years and to make sure that information was accurately reflected in NAE’s Cities Index. Cleveland’s reputation as an immigrant friendly city is very important to the region’s overall welcoming and integration efforts and Global Cleveland receives funds from both the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County to lead those efforts.

“Cleveland’s ranking of #64 for 2018 didn’t seem like an accurate representation of all the programs and services available to the international community,” says Joe Cimperman, President, Global Cleveland. “I know the full depth and breadth of programming the City as well as all the immigrant-focused organizations provide in our region. We set out to improve the ranking because we knew that score did not accurately reflect our region’s work to welcome and integrate international newcomers.”

About the City of Cleveland

The City of Cleveland is committed to improving the quality of life of its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play, and do business. For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online at www.city.cleveland.oh.us, Twitter at @cityofcleveland or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland.

About Global Cleveland

Global Cleveland’s mission is to attract, welcome and connect international newcomers to economic, educational and social opportunities in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming voice for immigrants and newcomers to Cleveland. By promoting a spirit of welcome and regional prosperity, we set the table for internationalization and economic growth.

We are committed to improving the quality of life in the City of Cleveland by strengthening our neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing the diversity of our citizens, and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, raise a family, shop, study, play and grow old.